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A coarctation of the aorta is a congenital heart defect characterised by an unusually small segment of the aorta, which is the body’s largest artery. This constriction restricts the blood flow from the heart down to the lower body, requiring the heart to pump harder to push blood forward. The condition may be present at birth and can arise alone or with other congenital heart defects.

Symptoms depend on the extent of the constriction. Babies with severe coarctation may have poor eating, rapid breathing, weak pulses, and heart failure. Older children and adults can have high blood pressure, headaches, leg pain with exercise, cold feet, muscle weakness, or weariness. Occasionally, the condition is not discovered until maturity, when a standard examination is carried out.

The diagnosis is usually made by measuring blood pressure in both arms and legs, echocardiography, CT angiography, MRI, or cardiac catheterisation. Treatment aims to restore normal blood flow and lessen the pressure on the heart. Depending on the patient's age and health, options include surgery, balloon angioplasty, or putting in a stent.

Early diagnosis, adequate management, and continuous follow-up can ensure that most people with Coarctation of the Aorta spend healthy, active lives with reduced risk of long-term cardiovascular problems.